Attachable and detachable pillows for prone sleeping

ABSTRACT

Two rectangular pillows are attached and become prone pillows; one pillow supports one&#39;s forehead, and another supports one&#39;s chest allowing sleepers to sleep comfortably in a prone position. These two pillows can also be detached and become two general purpose pillows when they are not used for prone sleeping.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to pillows and pillow cases. More particularly,pillows that accommodate sleeping in a prone position.

NOTE

Throughout this context, the terms “pillow” or “pillows” are used withintents of including a pillowcase or pillowcases because a unit ofpillow has a pillowcase incased in it. Thus, when the word “pillow” or“pillows” is referred, the pillow or pillows would be paired up with apillowcase or pillowcases as one inseparable unit or units unlessotherwise specified.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The benefits of prone sleeping have been published in a number ofmedical journals. For an example, Acta Oto-Laryngologica journal (2015)published an article supporting that prone positioning reveals promisingresults in improving the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and oxygendesaturation index (ODI) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea(OSA)¹. One of the main airway obstructive problems when sleepers sleepin a normal supine position is that the tongue trends to slip way backin the throat causing a snoring problem and an obstruction of airway. Infact, it is a well know fact in the medical community that the tongue isthe most common cause of upper airway obstruction². This problem isgreatly reduced once sleepers sleep in a prone position because thetongue cannot slip way back into the back of the throat with a properprone sleeping position. One prominent advocate of prone sleeping is anadmirable 104 years old Japanese physician, Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara. Bornin 1911, the doctor advises prone sleeping for health. Dr. Hinoharaspoke in an interview, “The secret to long life is to eat less and sleepdeep. Fifteen years ago, I started sleeping in the prone position, andit has improved my health.”³

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

As suggested that prone sleeping may be beneficial, but there are twoshort-comings for people in general to sleep this way: 1.) There is aneed for a proper pillow to support prone positioning; 2). People'ssleeping habit in a supine position is hard to overcome.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

This invention solves these two short-comings associated with pronesleeping. First, it facilitates a more comfortable posture in a proneposition by raising the chest and support the forehead while allowing anadjustable open space of the nose and mouth for breathing. Second, thetwo pillows can be detached from each other to form two familiarlyshaped rectangular pillows. This detachable feature provides the benefitof not penalizing users for trying to sleeping in a prone positionbecause they still have two general purpose rectangular pillows to fallback on. Users can then combine these pillows into the prone pillowsagain at a later time when they want to resume sleeping in a proneposition.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The claimed invention differs from what currently exists. Pillows thatare purposely used for prone sleeping do not have a rectangular shapethat most users are familiar with and because of this reason, they servein a niche market where only a few percentage of population have or wantto try them. This invention brings a familiarity of pillows to the massin order to gain higher acceptance of prone sleeping. Further, theclaimed invention is a set of two rectangular pillows that allows for anumber of customizations—one of them being attachable and detachablealong with having an adjustable breathing space between the two pillowsvia fastening of side straps.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a set of pillows designed to support, comfort,and accommodate the forehead and chest and open airway of the nose andmouth while a user sleeps in a prone position with or without his or herhead and face turned to his or her side. In addition, these pronepillows can be used as a substitute for a massage chair with a greaterportability that a user can place on a bed, a sofa seat, or even on afloor. The pillows can also be detached into two rectangular pillows astwo general purpose pillows.

The pillows are designed so that a user can adjust the length of thechest rest pillow to be folded according to his or her preference. Thepillows are also designed so that the space between the chest supportpillow and the forehead support pillow is adjustable at the level of hisor her preference. When the two pillows are detached and separated,forehead rest side straps that are hanging may be tucked away for a neatappearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of prone pillows in an attached form of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of prone pillows of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of prone pillows of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of prone pillows in a detached form of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing only a forehead rest pillow of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing only a chest rest pillow of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a demonstration of how the present invention may be used withdifferent prone positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, andFIG. 3, there are shown two pillows in an attached form as shown 10 withan arrow. Having an attached or combined prone pillows there are aforehead rest pillow 20 and a chest rest pillow 30. The two pillows areheld together by left side strap 21 and right side strap 22 with leftside strap button 23 and right side strap button 24 of the forehead restpillow fastened to button hole 45 and button hole 46 of the chest restpillow in that order.

Alternatively, the forehead rest pillow 20 with its left side strapbutton 23 and right side strap button 24 may be fastened to any of thesame side button holes on the chest rest pillow. The chest rest pillow30 with its left and right side seams 37 & 38 has six button holes each.When the chest rest pillow 30 is folded length wise, on each of itsside, there are three button holes on the top of the folded side seamand three button holes on the button of the folded side seam. FIG. 1,FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 drawings show odd numbers of button holes are on oneside seam 37 and the even numbers of button holes are on the oppositeside seam 38. With the perspective view after the chest rest pillow isfolded, button hole 39, button hole 41, and button hole 43 are on thetop left side seam while button hole 45, button hole 47, and button hole49 are on the bottom left side seam. The same is true on the oppositeside button hole 40, button hole 42, and button hole 44 are on the topright side seam while button hole 46, button hole 48, and button hole 50are on the bottom right side seam. The forehead rest pillow 20 with itsleft side strap button 23 may be fastened to any of these button holes39, 41, 43, 45, 47 or 49 of the left chest rest pillow seam 37 and theforehead rest pillow 20 with its right side strap button 24 can befastened to any of these button holes 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 or 50 of theright chest rest pillow seam 38.

The purpose for having this many button holes on the sides of a chestrest pillow for fastening is for convenience of users; when a user foldsthe chest rest pillow, no matter which way he or she folds the pillow,it will not cause a complicated problem of having to flip and turn thepillow to look for a button hole to button in and fasten a strap ontoit.

A customized space is created by how a user fastens the forehead restside straps 21 & 22 with buttons 23 & 24 to button holes on the chestrest pillows seams 37 & 38. When straps and buttons are fastened moreinwardly toward the inside of the chest rest pillow side seams, thespace between the two pillow is narrower because both of the straps pullthe forehead rest pillow closer toward the chest rest pillow. Thiscustomization contributes to higher satisfaction for users because auser may want to have some customizable control over the space which heor she can reduce or widen for his or her nose and mouth.

In further detail, still referring to the invention FIG. 1, FIG. 2, andFIG. 3, the chest rest pillow is folded approximately in half byfastening of two edge buttons to button holes on the opposite end. As itis shown, the first edge button 31 and second edge button 32 of thechest rest pillow 30 are fastened to the first end button hole 35 andthe second end button hole 36 in that order. Alternatively, looking atFIG. 4, the first edge button 31 and second edge button 32 may befastened to the first ¾ to edge button hole 33 and the second ¾ to edgebutton hole 34 to allow for one folding end of chest rest pillow to beat ¾ of the length of the pillow which would allow the other folding endof the chest rest pillow to be slightly longer and taper from the heightof the folding point to the end point; this create an incline of theupper chest down to the lower chest and may be preferred by some users.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there are shown two pillows in a detached formas shown 60 with an arrow. Two pillows shown here are forehead restpillow 20 and chest rest pillow 30, and both of these pillows arecompletely separated from each other. The forehead rest pillow 20 ispresented with both left and right side straps fully tucked away byfastening of left side strap button 23 to left side strap button hole 25and right side strap button 24 to right side strap button hole 26. SeeFIG. 5 for a more clear view of left and right side strap button holes25 & 26.

In further detail, still referring to the invention in a detached formof pillows in FIG. 4, the chest rest pillow is unfolded and laid flat.The first edge button 31 and second edge button 32 of the chest restpillow 30 are not fastened to the end button holes. These two separatedpillows of both the forehead rest pillow 20 and the chest rest pillow 30look roughly similar to common rectangular bed pillows. Again, toemphasize the drawing of FIG. 4, when the two pillows are detached, thechest rest pillow is unfolded, and the hanging side straps of foreheadrest pillow are tucked away, they present completely normal lookingtwo rectangular pillows that any users are familiar with. This has apositive psychological effect of trust and familiarity to users due tohaving been presented with things that they are used to see and normallyuse.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown only a detached headrest pillowplatform alone 70. The forehead rest pillow 20 showing left side strap21 and right side strap 22 in a down hanging position. These side strapsshown here are not tucked away. The left side strap button 23 may befasten to their left side strap button hole 25 and the right side strapbutton 24 may be fasten to their right side strap button hole 26 for atidy appearance.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown only a detached chest restpillow platform alone 80. The chest rest pillow 30 showing an unfoldedposition. The first edge button 31 and second edge button 32 of thechest rest pillow 30 shown here are not fastened to any of the oppositeend of the button holes. The chest rest pillow can be folded byfastening the first edge button 31 to the first ¾ to end button hole 33and the second edge button 32 to the second ¾ to end button hole 34, orby fastening the first edge button 31 to the first end button hole 35and the second edge button 32 to the second end button hole 36. To thesides of the chest rest pillow 30, there are side seams 37 & 38. Witheach side seam, there are six button holes. FIG. 6 perspective viewshows button holes number 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 are on left sideseam 37, and button holes number 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50 are on theright side seam 38.

To convert these detached pillows to attached prone pillows, the pair ofthe edge buttons 31 & 32 are fastened to either the pair of button holes33 & 34 or button holes 35 & 36 to fold down the chest rest pillow 30.Once the chest rest pillow 30 is folded, one of these button holes 39,41, 43, 45, 47 or 49 on the left seam 37 is to be fasten with the leftside strap button 23 from the head rest pillows, and on the other side,one of these button holes 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 or 50 on the right seam 38is to be fasten with the right side strap button 24 from the head restpillows.

Referring now to FIG. 7, images shown here are different body posesusing prone pillows 90. There are three samples of a female in a proneposition with her head and face turned or stayed in place. The firstdrawing shows her head and face turned to the left side with her bodyremains in a prone position, and her arms and legs are in a position ofcomfort 91. The second drawing shows her centers body in the proneposition with her head and face in the center along with her arms andlegs 92. The third drawing shows her head and face turned to the rightside with her body remains in a prone position, and arms and legs are ina position of comfort 93. There is an adjustable space gap between thehead rest pillow and the chest rest pillow. This space between the twopillows is important because it allows an unobstructed path forbreathing through the nose and mouth for air exchange while in a proneposition.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The construction details of dimensions of the invention as shown in FIG.1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are that the forehead rest pillow 20 andthe chest rest pillow 30 are to be sufficiently wide and long forcomfortable sleeping in a prone position, such as about 12-15 inches(30-38 cm) of vertical width and about 15-22 inches (38-55 cm) ofhorizontal width. The vertical width of the chest rest pillow 30 is tobe about 24-30 inches (60-76 cm) in length to start because it has to befolded into an approximately half of its length to achieve the mentioneddimension of about 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) of folded vertical width asshown in FIG. 4 displaying the unfolded chest rest pillow 30 is at leasttwice or longer in length than the forehead rest pillow because it willbe folded to about half The forehead rest pillow 20 contains side straps21 & 22 that are about 2 inches in width and are twice the verticalwidth of the forehead rest pillow body which make the side straps lengthto be about 24-30 inches (60-76 cm) long. The excess hanging straps pastthe fore headrest pillow body are to be fastened and tucked away at theopposite end with buttons and button holes when they are detached forneatness. The chest rest pillow 30 contains left and right seams thatare about 2 inches wide and are as long as its vertical width of about24-30 inches (60-76 cm) which they may be folded along with the chestrest pillow itself. Having a sufficient depth or the thickness of thesepillow is important for comfortable sleeping in the prone position.Having about 6 inches of pillow cushion provides enough support forsleeping in the prone position by keeping the nose and the mouthbridging between the two pillows gap would ensure that these breathingparts are not squashed down into the sleeping surface while in a proneposition. This means the head rest pillow is to be about 6 inches thickand chest rest pillow is to be about 3 inches thick unfolded and 6inches thick after it is folded.

Pillowcases that incase both the forehead rest pillow and the chest restpillow are cloth or fabric materials and may be made of various type offabrics such as cotton or polyester fiber. Pillow inserts may be made ofpolyester fiber, polyurethane memory foam, latex foam, or other softcushion materials suitable for prone sleeping with sufficient thickness.Buttons are commonly made of plastic materials. In addition, a processof fastening buttons with button holes may be substituted by using ofVelcro or snap buttons. The outer pillow cases may be displayed withdecorative patterns, stylized, embroidered with a logo, or just a plainsolid color.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation,that it can be used as a device to achieve the health benefits of pronesleeping as evidenced by a number of medical journals which concludethat prone sleeping shows promising results in improving various typesof airway obstructive syndromes. This invention looks simple andfamiliar to users. It enhances comfort of prone sleeping by supportingand raising the chest and forehead and creates an adjustable space forbreathing through the nose and mouth. Another use for this invention isthat because this invention is used in a prone position sharing the samefunctionality as a massage chair or a massage bed, it can be used as asimple and portable massage platform that can be placed on a bed, a sofaseat, or on a floor. Further, this invention of prone pillows can bedetached and used as two separate general purpose rectangular pillows.

To make the invention, one could take pre-existing pillows with rightdimensions and thickness and modify them by adding left and right seamsto a chest rest pillow and add left and right long straps to a foreheadrest pillow, and then add buttons and button holes to those pillows asspecified. If one has some basic skills working with fabrics and sewing,one can make the invention entirely from scratch with right materialsand a sewing equipment. One would measure, cut the fabrics, sew them,create seams, and straps, add buttons and button holes to two pillowcases, and then stuff pillow inserts into the two prepared pillow cases.

To use the invention, one would simply lay down in a prone position withnose and mouth parts suspended over a space in between a forehead restpillow and a chest rest pillow with his or her forehead resting on thisforehead rest pillow and his or her chest resting on this chest restpillow. The space between the two pillows provides an unobstructed pathfor air exchange through the nose and the mouth for all of a period oftime being free from the most common cause problem of upper airwayobstruction by the tongue during this prone sleeping position. FIG. 8shows a demonstration of use for this invention with three examples ofprone sleeping positions.

CITATION LIST

1. Bidarian-Moniri, A., Nilsson, M., Rasmusson, L., Attia, J., & Ejnell,H. (2015). The effect of the prone sleeping position on obstructivesleep apnoea. Acta Otolaryngol Acta Oto-laryngologica, 79-84.doi:10.3109/00016489.2014.962183

2. Miyamoto, K., Ozbek, M., Lowe, A., & Fleetham, J. (1997). Effect ofbody position on tongue posture in awake patients with obstructive sleepapnoea. Thorax, 255-259.

3. ‘Living legend’ physician Dr. Hinohara visits Camp Zama 2. (n.d.).Retrieved Oct. 11, 2015

What claimed for this invention are:
 1. A rectangular shaped pillow,comprising: a. 2 hanging side straps which each one is attached alongeach side edge of the width of the pillow each with a length of 2 timesthe width of the pillow; b. 2 side strap buttons attached to the hangingend of the 2 side straps; c. 2 button holes located on the side strapsat opposite ends of side strap buttons.
 2. A rectangular shaped pillow,comprising: a. 2 side seams which each one is attached along each sideedge of the long end (length wise) of the pillow extending along thesame length of the pillow; b. each of the 2 side seams contains 6 buttonholes spacing with 2 sets of 3 holes placed equally apart; c. 2 edgebuttons on one edge of the width of the pillow, evenly spaced; d. 2button holes located ¾ of the pillow length away from the 2 edge buttonson one surface area of the pillow, evenly spaced; e. 2 end button holeslocated at the opposite end of 2 edge buttons, evenly spaced.
 3. Thepillow of claim 1 is attachable to the pillow of claim 2 by manualfastening the 2 side strap buttons of claim 1b to button holes of thepillow of claim 2b; a. the pillow of claim 2 is foldable by manualfastening the 2 edge buttons 2 c to either pair of button holes of 2d or2e; b. when both pillows are to be attached, the space gap between thepillow of claim 1 and the pillow of claim 2 can be adjusted by selectinga different set of button holes of the pillow of claim 2b to strapbuttons to.
 4. The pillow of claim 1 is detachable from the pillow ofclaim 2 by unbuttoning the pillow of claim 1b from button holes of thepillow of claim 2b; a. when the pillows are detached, the hanging sidestraps of the pillow of claim 1 are fastenable for neatness ofappearance by manual fastening the side strap buttons of claim 1b to thebutton holes of their opposite ends 1c.